Customer CHOICE® FAQs
Why is Columbia Gas of Virginia offering CHOICE®?
Large natural gas customers, such as factories and large industries, have had the freedom to choose their natural gas supplier since the early 1980's. While Columbia Gas of Virginia will always deliver their gas, these customers have been able to compare prices and choose suppliers that can lower their gas costs. Columbia Gas of Virginia is proud to be among the first to bring this option to residential customers. We believe customers deserve the right to choose, and we expect everyone will be able to choose their energy provider.
Do I have to make a choice?
No. Participation is voluntary. If you don't choose a supplier, Columbia Gas of Virginia will continue to provide your gas at the current regulated rate.
Can I keep Columbia Gas of Virginia as my supplier?
Yes. If you have never participated in CHOICE®? and want to keep Columbia Gas of Virginia as your supplier, no action is required by you. Columbia Gas of Virginia will remain your supplier of record.
What is the "price to compare?"
Your total natural gas charge is divided into 2 parts: the gas supply charge (the cost for the gas) and the distribution charge (the cost of delivering that gas to your home or business). The "price to compare" is the cost of gas per hundred cubic feet (Ccf) that you pay to Columbia Gas of Virginia if you purchase the gas from us. Use this price to comparison shop with other suppliers.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. In fact, some natural gas suppliers may offer you an incentive to sign up with them.
How much can I expect to save?
Your savings will depend on the supplier you choose and the program the supplier offers. Some suppliers offer a flat rate for a certain amount of gas, while other offer guaranteed savings or package incentives. You may be able to lock in your gas rate for one year or more, or buy gas on a seasonal basis rather than monthly. But be aware that natural gas prices will move up and down in a competitive market, so the amount of total savings may vary over time depending upon the plan you select. However, experience in other parts of the country demonstrates that savings can be achieved.
How will I be billed?
If you choose to participate, the supplier you select may bill you directly for the cost of the gas while Columbia Gas of Virginia will continue to bill you separately for delivery of the natural gas and the cost of providing traditional services like meter reading and 24-hour emergency service. Or, Columbia Gas of Virginia might collect the gas charges on your regular bill and pass them on to your marketer. Either way, your bill will clearly identify what part is for the gas cost and who is your provider.
How do I know Customer CHOICE® will work?
Customers can take comfort in the fact that the Customer CHOICE® program is not new the Columbia Gas of Virginia's parent company, NiSource, Inc. Customer CHOICE® has been successfully implemented in other areas of the country served by NiSource distribution companies, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. In addition, local natural gas utilities in 17 states and the District of Columbia have been proposed or implemented similar programs.
How many people sign up CHOICE®?
About 8,200 customers have enrolled in the Customer CHOICE® program, approximately 3% of eligible Columbia Gas of Virginia customers.
Will my gas supplier be as reliable as Columbia Gas of Virginia?
Since Columbia Gas of Virginia will continue to deliver your gas, reliability will not change. Gas suppliers are required to become authorized Customer CHOICE® suppliers to participate in the program. This process is designed to ensure that each supplier meets Columbia Gas of Virginia's quality standards and that service excellence will not be compromised.
Will I be able to stay on the Budget Payment Plan if I sign up for CHOICE®?
Yes, you can choose to remain a budget customer once you are on CHOICE®. Your monthly payment will be adjusted automatically according to your new gas supply rates.
If I decide to choose an unregulated supplier, what are my rights and responsibilities as a CHOICE® participant?
You should realize that you are signing a contractual agreement, and you must honor the terms. Be sure to read the entire contract carefully to understand your rights to change gas suppliers or cancel under reasonable circumstances, such as relocation to an area where the program isn't available. Also be aware of any cancellation fees that might apply. Suppliers can terminate the agreement for non-payment and stop supplying gas to you, but must provide at least 30-days written notice of termination. In this event, Columbia Gas of Virginia will become your gas supplier. If you have any questions, ask for answers in writing before you sign a contract with a supplier.
Does Columbia's gas cost stay the same for an entire year?
Our gas supply cost is subject to change regularly. We pass on the cost of gas to our customers with no mark-up or profit. In order to bill you accurately for gas charges, we may adjust your rate up or down based on the cost of gas for the previous quarter.
Why can't Columbia Gas of Virginia just reduce my rate?
As a regulated utility, Columbia Gas of Virginia purchases at the lowest rates possible. Unregulated natural gas suppliers can price their gas supplies differently than Columbia Gas of Virginia. Natural gas marketers have more flexibility in their price structure, which could result in lower gas costs to our customers.